Chaka Khan Is Still Upset With Kanye West's "Through The Wire" Sample

BY Erika Marie 14.5K Views
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Chaka Khan, Kanye West
When asked if she heard from West about her disapproval of the 2004 single, she said no and she's "not looking to hear from [him], either."

This is an opinion that Chaka Khan has previously shared, but she is rehashing her feelings over Kanye West sampling her track. The music mogul famously borrowed Khan's "Through The Fire" for his hit "Through The Wire," but after it was released, Khan claimed that she was unhappy with his version. Earlier on in his career, West was famously known for his "Chipmunk Soul" or "Chipmunk Hip Hop" productions, and he did this with "Through The Fire," speeding things up to make voices high-pitched.

Khan recently sat down with Good Day DC and was asked if she has since heard from West after voicing her disapproval all these years later. She said no.

"I'm not looking to hear from Kanye, either," said Khan. "No, I've not heard from him and I'm not looking to hear from him. That's what he did. That's what he did with his music. I was upset about sounding like a chipmunk, 'cause he didn't put that when he asked [if] he could use my, sample my song. He didn't mention that he was gonna speed it up three times its normal speed."

Khan added that had West told her of his plans, she may have rejected his request. Because of West, the singer added that she now has people specify exactly how they intend to use her music. She previously called West's sample "insulting" and "stupid."

Watch Chaka Khan's interview with Good Day DC below 


About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.